As the Deputy is aware, Aer Lingus announced a range of cutbacks as part of its survival plan to address the extremely difficult situation facing the company as a result of the dramatic downturn in the global aviation market. The cutbacks resulted in reductions in services across the Aer Lingus network, including termination of services to Newark, Baltimore and Stockholm and reductions on services to Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago, London, Amsterdam and Paris.
Unfortunately, the current crisis does not respect or protect any particular region and services at all three State airports will share in the impact of the cutbacks. I regret that in addition to the necessary Aer Lingus cost saving measures, BA has also cancelled its Shannon-Gatwick services in addition to its Cork and Belfast service. I also regret the loss of the Delta Dublin-Shannon-JFK service, at least for the winter.
I would expect that when the financial position of the airline improves and the aviation market recovers generally, Aer Lingus and, indeed, other airlines will again review opportunities for re-establishing services which have been lost out of our State airports, including Shannon. In this regard, I also very much welcome the recent announcement by Aer Rianta to extend its zero charges incentive scheme for airlines which launch new routes into Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports. In the case of Shannon and Cork, Aer Rianta extended the period for zero airport charges from three to four years and the company extended this scheme to Dublin Airport where no charges will apply to new routes for a period of three years. Aer Rianta will also provide marketing support for route development promotional activities.
I have also stated previously on numerous occasions that Government policy on Shannon transatlantic services remains unchanged. The Government is committed to maintaining a viable Shannon Airport as well as a viable Aer Lingus.
